Tributes From Famous Boxers Paid To Boxing Referee Eddie Cotton

Niall Doran
April 18, 2020April 18, 2020
Boxing News

Sad news has hit the world of boxing as renowned boxing referee Eddie Cotton has passed away.

Eddie had become hospitalized due to Covid-19 and lost his life to this disease.

He was aged 72. Eddie was living in New Jersey and had refereed actively up until 2014.

He was the referee for the world heavyweight championship fight between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson in 2002.

Since his passing tributes have come pouring in from around the world of the sweet science:

Eddie Cotton was a great referee! Always in command and control. I used to always introduce him as “BIG” EDDIE COTTON! This COVID-19 has taken another one from our boxing community-I’m heartbroken!
R.I.P. Big Eddie-Much Love💔🕊 https://t.co/HsRN6LTv4t
— Michael Buffer (@Michael_Buffer) April 17, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to Mr.Eddie Cotton’s family & friends, lost his fight with C-19. You were and always will be remembered, legend. Thank you 🙏 for being there for the boxing 🥊 community. #beatcovid19 #staysafe #legendaryreferee pic.twitter.com/GlO497YFDY
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) April 17, 2020

So sorry to hear the news that Eddie Cotton has sadly lost his fight against Covid-19. Eddie was an incredibly well respected referee who reffed 3 of my fights against @GGGBoxing @maravillabox and Lamar Russ. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends 🙏 pic.twitter.com/I9prMsciFO
— matthew macklin (@mattmacklin) April 17, 2020

RIP to my man Eddie Cotton 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #BoxingRef #GoodGuy @ Boxing360 https://t.co/xRInmUNNwk
— ZAB JUDAH 6x Champ! (@SUPERJUDAH) April 18, 2020

The WBO is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Eddie Cotton (Ex Referee and IBF Board Member) due to Covid19. Eddie was truly an extraordinary man, golf lover, and community leader. The WBO extends are profound condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/u4ZhoRAGQu
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) April 17, 2020

Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers with the loved ones of Eddie Cotton at this time.

Rest in peace.

SEE ALSO: Hagler vs Hearns anniversary fight video

Here was Eddie refereeing in action in one of the biggest fights of all time in the heavyweight division.

The heavyweight title fight between Lewis and Tyson in Memphis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQeZzlV8X2A

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Niall Doran

Niall Doran is an experienced boxing writer, combat sports writer and professional boxing judge. He has been published and trusted on some of the planet's leading boxing, online and mixed martial arts' media outlets and publications -- including to name only a few: • Boxrec (professional judge profile): https://boxrec.com/en/judge/1043570 • Boxing News: https://boxingnewsonline.net/boxings-pay-per-view-price-war/ • Boxing Scene: https://www.boxingscene.com/author/niall-doran • Huffington Post: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/niall-doran • British Boxing News: https://britishboxingnews.co.uk/news/british-boxing-golden-age-2024/ • MixedMartialArts.com: https://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/will-2020-see-co-promoted-mma-and-boxing-events • SevereMMA.com: https://severemma.com/2015/09/mma-and-boxing-brothers-from-another-mother/. Favorite quotes -- Michael Jordan: I hope the millions of people I've touched have the optimism and desire to share their goals and hard work and persevere with a positive attitude. Genesis 1: 1 Revelation 1:1View Author posts